Hundreds turn out for Sir Lenny Henry book launch
More than eight hundred people attended a book launch by Sir Lenny Henry at Dudley Library this weekend.
Author, actor and comedian Sir Lenny chose the venue to launch his new children’s picture book, You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! Sir Lenny, who grew up in Dudley, has frequently talked about how much he visited the library after his Aunty Pearl enrolled him as a member of the library. This was his first visit as an author and Sir Lenny even took the opportunity to sign up as a member.
Sir Lenny said: “How brilliant to be back in Dudley Library to launch my book ‘You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!’ Families were queuing down the street, thanks so much for coming!
“If you couldn’t be there remember all my books are in stock in all of Dudley’s libraries ready to borrow and read over the holidays!”
The event included a reading by Sir Lenny to an audience of around 70 made up of local children and their families. Sir Lenny answered questions about his memories of Dudley library, his inspirational Aunty Pearl and spoke about the adventures of Tyrone and his granddad. He also talked about the importance of reading and encouraged children to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.
After the reading Sir Lenny signed books for his audience before a public book signing at noon, with families queuing out the door as they waited for their books to be signed. Sir Lenny chatted to his young fans and made everyone feel at home.
There were book themed crafts inspired by Tyrone’s adventures, with children making their own spaceships and postcards to record their imaginary journeys.
You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! is illustrated by new talent Salomey Doku, who was also at the event. The story focuses on the special bond between a boy called Tyrone and his grandfather, Grandad Cleveland, who gives Tyrone self-confidence and the belief that he can indeed be and do anything he wants. Tyrone is building a space rocket to go on an adventure to the moon but when his building bricks stop working, Grandad Cleveland is on hand to show Tyrone that with determination and imagination, there’s nothing he can't do. Together, the pair embark on an out-of-this world adventure.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:
“We’re really grateful to Sir Lenny for choosing Dudley library to launch his new children’s book. Reading can open so many doors, teaching children empathy, imagination and understanding.
“This is a beautiful, funny and thoughtful book and I’m glad to add it to our fantastic library stock, alongside Sir Lenny’s other children’s books.”
Stephanie Rhoden, partnership manager, Dudley libraries, said:
“It was an honour to meet Sir Lenny, he’s achieved so much but hasn’t forgotten his roots or the importance of libraries to encourage the minds and imaginations of young readers.
“We were already honoured when he dedicated his previous children’s book to the staff at Dudley library, but to have him here in person, launching his new book to an audience of Dudley children is just so special. I’m sure his books will be amongst those eagerly read by children taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which runs throughout the summer holidays.”
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Dudley Council
Notes to editors
About Sir Lenny Henry’s books - Macmillan Children’s Books is proud to publish Sir Lenny’s middle grade fiction: The Boy with Wings and The Book of Legends as well as his World Book Day story Attack of the Rampaging Robot, which are all illustrated by Keenon Ferrell. His UK TCM sales now exceed 131,000 copies. Sir Lenny is passionate about all children being represented in the books they read, and reaching all children with his stories. In a special partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the National Literacy Trust 25,000 copies of The Boy With Wings were gifted to children as part of an initiative to boost reading levels, and the Manchester Festival of Libraries picked The Boy With Wings for their Look for a Book hunt with copies hidden across the city, culminating in a special event with Sir Lenny. Since the publication of The Boy With Wings in October 2021, Sir Lenny has also met more than 20,000 children through virtual multi-school events hosted by Sevenoaks Bookshop and Newham Books, and partnered with independent bookshops across the UK. Elsewhere, the author has taken part in live appearances at Cheltenham, Hay, Henley, Wimbledon and Bradford Festivals, and he championed World Book Day this year with a packed week of events and media.
Sir Lenny Henry has risen from being a star on children's television to becoming one of Britain's best known comedians, as well as a writer, philanthropist and award-winning actor. He is co-founder of Comic Relief. Lenny is a strong advocate for diversity and is the co-author of the book Black British Lives Matter.
Salomey Doku is a self-taught author-illustrator from Leeds, England. She started watercolour painting in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the art of storytelling. Salomey's characters, comics and colourful stories are inspired by her diverse community, the natural world, and all things bright and beautiful.
About Pan Macmillan Pan Macmillan is the UK general book publishing arm of the Macmillan Group, which operates in over 70 countries. Its imprints include Macmillan, Mantle, Pan, Picador, Bluebird, One Boat, Tor, Macmillan Children's Books, Macmillan Collectors Library, Kingfisher, Campbell Books and Two Hoots. Pan Macmillan was named Publisher of the Year at The Bookseller Industry Awards in May 2015, May 2017 and again in June 2020.